Are You Seeing Poa Annua in Your Lawn?

What is Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)

Poa annua is a low-growing, tufted winter annual grass that germinates in the fall and reproduces by seed. It is the most common annual bluegrass found in Virginia lawns, and is oftentimes found in flowerbeds. The light green leaves are short and blunt at the tips.

Often found in compacted areas along the driveway and sidewalk edges, Poa annua is a prolific seed-producer. It develops seed heads in early-to-mid spring, and a large population can be unsightly. The plants that died off this past spring left dormant seed in the soil which will being to produce new plants this fall and become mature in the spring – completely it’s life cycle yearly. It can crowd out Tall Fescue seedlings over the winter months, and grows well in most areas, often causing problems for healthy lawns.

Poa annua Solution

Mowing the lawn on the tallest setting, especially in the fall months, can help prevent this grass from germinating. Another option is to have Virginia Green treat the lawn with a post-emergent herbicide in the late fall.

Keep in mind that Poa annua seeds are tough and can survive many seasons without germinating. The supplemental fall treatment is only warranted if Poa annua is a problem in the interior of the lawn space. Compacted edges will always be problematic since the soil is not conducive to growing Tall Fescue.

To learn more about removing and preventing Poa annua, contact us or call (804) 285-6200.